Ntshongwana ‘a danger to society’
“Yes he is a danger,” were the words of defence witness, Professor Abubaker Gangat on Wednesday, 22 January in the trial of Yellowwood Park resident, Phindile Joseph Ntshongwana, who has been accused of murder by decapitation in the Durban High Court.
This was revealed in a line of questioning by state prosecutor, Rea Mina. Gangat also conceded that the possibility of Ntshongwana repeating the alleged crimes could not be ruled out.
The court heard psychiatrist, Professor Gangat diagnose Ntshongwana as having a delusional disorder, despite his not having conducted a physical examination on Ntshongwana. His findings were based on reports from other doctors.
The state questioned Ntshongwana’s inability to recall the offences he was accused of as he remembered an incident where a young woman was kidnapped from Durban CBD. Gangat’s response was: “Sometimes they (people with psychotic disorders) remember facets of what they have done.” He said normal people cannot remember everything.
Proceedings revealed mental illness can be controlled with medication and since his incarceration, he has not attacked anyone.
The trial continues.
